Students investigate how freshwater is threatened in Madison, Wisconsin, with a focus on local lakes, stormwater runoff, flooding, and how environmental changes affect plants, animals, and people. Through expert conversations, a nearby field study, and short research, they build evidence to answer how freshwater sources are threatened and how people can persuade others to take action. They work in pairs to create and present a video PSA for families that explains a local water issue, proposes realistic solutions, and includes a service-learning action such as sharing water-protection tips or supporting a community stewardship effort. Throughout the project, students discuss, reflect, critique, and revise their ideas so they can communicate clearly, use evidence, and act responsibly in their community.

Students explain a local water issue in Madison, such as stormwater runoff into Lake Monona or flooding after heavy rain, by researching its causes, effects on plants, animals, and people, and possible solutions using evidence from texts, field observations, and expert interviews. Students make and support claims about which solutions work best for protecting freshwater habitats and reducing weather-related hazards, using clear reasons and facts. Students collaborate with a partner to create and revise a short video PSA and live presentation that persuades families and community members to take informed action. Students reflect throughout the project on their teamwork, communication, and responsibility to care for water in their local and global communities.

Students will create science notebooks with field sketches, observation notes from a Madison-area water site, interview questions and notes from local experts, and short reflection entries throughout the project. In pairs, they will also make planning products such as a water issue research folder, a claim-evidence chart, a PSA storyboard, a script draft, and peer feedback checklists for critique and revision. The culminating product will be a 1–2 minute video PSA about a local freshwater issue, such as stormwater runoff, flooding, or pollution in Madison lakes and wetlands, paired with a brief live presentation for families explaining the issue, their evidence-based solution, and how they created the PSA. As a service learning extension, students can also create a simple action product connected to their PSA, such as family tip cards, school posters, or morning announcement messages that encourage water-protecting habits.

Turn the classroom into a “Madison Water Emergency Center” with photos, short video clips, and simple data about Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, flooding after heavy rain, road salt runoff, and algae blooms, then deliver a message from a local expert such as a Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District educator or UW–Madison Limnology researcher asking students to help create PSAs for families. Students rotate through quick investigation stations—testing muddy vs. clean water, studying a map of local lakes and storm drains, and sorting pictures of plants, animals, and human actions to notice how weather and pollution change habitats. End with a short neighborhood walk to observe storm drains or puddling areas near school and a partner reflection: “What water problem did you notice, why does it matter, and what should people do?” This launch creates urgency, introduces the essential questions, and gives students a real local audience and purpose for service.

Host a “Madison Water Action Showcase” where families, community partners, and school staff rotate through student stations to watch each pair’s PSA and hear a short live introduction about the local water issue they studied, such as flooding, runoff, or freshwater habitat changes in the Yahara watershed. Include a simple action wall where guests can pledge one water-protecting action, donate requested items for a local conservation or cleanup effort, or sign up for a family service event connected to a partner such as the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District or Clean Lakes Alliance. Display field study notes, expert interview quotes, storyboards, and revision drafts so students can explain their research process and growth. End with a brief celebration circle where students reflect on what they learned about protecting freshwater in Madison and how their message can help the community.